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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Study protocol

Accreditation in general practice in Denmark: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Authors: Merethe K. Andersen, Line B. Pedersen, Volkert Siersma, Flemming Bro, Susanne Reventlow, Jens Søndergaard, Marius Brostrøm Kousgaard, Frans B. Waldorff

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Accreditation is used increasingly in health systems worldwide. However, there is a lack of evidence on the effects of accreditation, particularly in general practice. In 2016 a mandatory accreditation scheme was initiated in Denmark, and during a 3-year period all practices, as default, should undergo accreditation according to the Danish Healthcare Quality Program. The aim of this study is primarily to evaluate the effects of a mandatory accreditation scheme.

Methods/design

The study is conducted as a cluster-randomized controlled trial among 1252 practices (clusters) with 2211 general practitioners in Denmark. Practices allocated to accreditation in 2016 serve as the intervention group, and practices allocated to accreditation in 2018 serve as controls. The selected outcomes should meet the following criteria: (1) a high degree of clinical relevance; (2) the possibility to assess changes due to accreditation; (3) availability of data from registers with no self-reporting data. The primary outcome is the number of prescribed drugs in patients older than 65 years. Secondary outcomes are changes in outcomes related to other perspectives of safe medication, good clinical practice and mortality. All outcomes relate to quality indicators included in the Danish Healthcare Quality Program, which is based on general principles for accreditation.

Discussion

The consequences of accreditation and standard-setting processes are generally under-researched, particularly in general practice. This is the largest study in general practice with a randomized implementation approach to evaluate the clinical effects of a nation-wide mandatory accreditation scheme in general practice.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02762240. Registered on 24 May 2016.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Accreditation in general practice in Denmark: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors
Merethe K. Andersen
Line B. Pedersen
Volkert Siersma
Flemming Bro
Susanne Reventlow
Jens Søndergaard
Marius Brostrøm Kousgaard
Frans B. Waldorff
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-1818-6

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